On October 19, at 4:00
p.m. EDT and its equivalent in time zones across the nation, members of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, along with their families
and friends, physically joined hands across state lines nationwide to
demonstrate their mutual commitment to the fight against drugs. In the
Washington area, members of the Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia
Elks Association joined hands across the Maryland and District lines at
Eastern Avenue and Riggs Road in Chillum. Washington Field Division Demand
Reduction Coordinator Linda Lee represented DEA at the event.

The Elks encouraged
communities across the nation to participate in spanning borders of all
kinds, whether they be geographic, religious, ethnic or other types of
boundaries between people. The gesture symbolizes that drug abuse is everyone's
problem and links our country together to work for a solution.

All over America the
Elks promote Red Ribbon Week through their local Drug Awareness Programs.
Since 1999 they have hosted their own Red Ribbon kick-off celebration.